What Saved Our Fourth of July Cookout Were These 15 Reliable Sides

ByMandy

These 15 sides showed up early, stayed steady, and did more work than the grill crew. The mains got delayed, the music kept cutting out, and someone brought a salad no one asked for. But somehow, the table stayed full and nobody even noticed the rest of the chaos.

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface.
Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need something quick but still enjoyable, these wraps roll everything together. Packed with colorful layers, Pinwheel Sandwiches deliver a neat, handheld option that works well for groups. Their circular design makes them easy to grab and add to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches

Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mixing fresh juices and creamy bites, Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad brings a mix of textures to keep everyone interested. It’s a light yet satisfying side that pairs well with heavier dishes. Refreshing and perfectly balanced, this is a bright choice for your table.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hawaiian Baked Beans offer a twist on the classic version, bringing something a bit different to the table. Sweet, tangy, and warm flavors make this dish an easy go-to when feeding a crowd. They’re hearty and pair well with smoky, grilled options.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple yet versatile, this dish brings needed freshness to any meal setup. A well-balanced Green Salad can fit with rich or spicy mains, offering a clean contrast. It’s also easy to customize, so everyone can enjoy it in their own way.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Swapping bread for Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes creates a unique handheld that’s adventurous but surprisingly approachable. It’s a filling option for anyone looking for something a little different. Combining soft, sweet bites with hearty fillings, this side easily stands out.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Grilled Vegetables

A platter of grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, and red onions, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled Vegetables are straightforward but hold their own among more complex dishes. They’re a great way to offer something lighter but still flavorful. Cooking directly over heat gives these their signature smoky flavor and light char.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This familiar classic stacks up with its colorful layers, offering something for everyone. Mixing flavors and textures, 7 Layer Dip is perfect for scooping with chips on the side. It’s easy to share and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A sharp crunch and slight tang make this twist on coleslaw a standout on any spread. Red Cabbage Coleslaw leans into bold colors and flavors, pairing well with smoky or grilled foods. It offers a lighter option while still adding plenty of personality to the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Spicy Greek feta dip in a bowl with pita bread by the side.
Spicy Greek Feta Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This creamy option brings just a bit of heat for anyone who loves bolder flavors. Scooping into Spicy Greek Feta Dip is fun and pairs well with bread or crackers for dipping. It’s a great addition for people looking to try something with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Greek Feta Dip

Mexican Street Corn

Close-up of Mexican Street Corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Taking inspiration from classic flavors, Mexican Street Corn provides a bold option that works well served on or off the cob. It’s the right mix of sweet, creamy, and smoky in every bite. Coated with rich, flavorful layers, this side is messy but worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These bite-sized snacks come packed with smoky goodness that’s hard to ignore. Featuring a unique presentation, Smoky Bacon Pig Shots offer a surprising mix of crisp and rich flavors. They’re a fun way to enjoy bacon in a way you might not have tried before.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Mexican Street Corn Dip

Close-up of a blue corn chip dipped in a creamy cheese and vegetable mixture, garnished with cilantro and sliced jalapeños.
Mexican Street Corn Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Serving Mexican Street Corn Dip is an easy way to enjoy something creamy and rich without the mess. It’s a fun and shareable option to add variety to your lineup. This dish brings all the bold flavors of traditional corn but in a scoopable format.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Dip

Quinoa Salad

Close-up of a quinoa salad with chickpeas, chopped cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a light dressing, with a spoon partially visible.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Healthy, colorful, and filling combine into one bowl for this option. Quinoa Salad brings a texture that’s simple yet packs a lot into a small portion. It blends well into a spread but also stands on its own for quieter moments during any meal.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Mexican Rice

A close-up of cooked Mexican rice with a wooden spoon, garnished with chopped parsley.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding a warm, seasoned grain to the meal always rounds it out perfectly. Mexican Rice offers mildly spiced flavors that pair wonderfully with bolder options on the table. It’s a dependable side dish that’s been a crowd-pleaser time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp textures and juicy bites come together for a refreshing, no-fuss option. Blending light flavors, Cucumber Tomato Salad fits well with almost any main course. It adds something clean and uncomplicated, balancing out heavier foods perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

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